Lord Strathcona Wreck - Newfoundland

The Lord Strathcona is a proper Newfoundland wreck, a big iron ore carrier that met its end back in the 1940s. We love it because it’s not just a collection of twisted metal, it’s a whole submerged neighbourhood now. The bow lies in about 15 metres, easily reachable, and you can swim through cargo holds that feel cavernous, even with the light filtering in from above. Our favourite part is always the stern, deeper, where the propeller still sits, an imposing silhouette against the often-murky green water. You'll find cod sheltering in the darker nooks, often a curious wolfish peering out from behind a bulkhead, and sometimes a sculpin camouflaged perfectly on the rust. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, taking your time to notice how the sea has reclaimed every surface. We'd suggest checking the tides; a slack tide makes navigating the interior much more comfortable, letting you really soak in the atmosphere of this piece of history. This wreck is ideal for divers who appreciate a good historical story and aren’t afraid of a bit of chill.

Location
Newfoundland, Canada, North America
Coordinates
47.586666, -52.958332
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10-30m

Marine Protected Area: Witless Bay Ecological Reserve

Best Time to Dive in Newfoundland

The warmest water temperatures in Newfoundland occur in August, averaging 15.9°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 0.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 2.3°C
  • February: 1.1°C
  • March: 0.3°C
  • April: 1.3°C
  • May: 3.9°C
  • June: 7.3°C
  • July: 12.4°C
  • August: 15.9°C
  • September: 14.6°C
  • October: 11.9°C
  • November: 8.0°C
  • December: 4.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Newfoundland

Nearest Dive Centres to Lord Strathcona Wreck

Marine Life in Newfoundland

Home to 72 recorded species including 35 reef fish, 13 whales & dolphins, 7 sharks & rays, 5 seagrass & algae, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 soft corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Lord Strathcona Wreck

Based on average water temperature of 7.0°C, currents 2 cm/s.

  • Drysuit - water at 7°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories